Related articles

We have no closer friend in the world, and if we are asked our view as a friend, we will offer it

Ben Rhodes

Mr Obama’s advisor Ben Rhodes said the President would reveal his support for a remain vote if he is asked.

He said: "He will make very clear that this is a decision for the people of the United Kingdom to make, it's not a decision for us to make.

"But we have no closer friend in the world, and if we are asked our view as a friend, we will offer it."

The advisor said it would mean "being very straightforward and candid as a friend as to why the United States believes that it is good for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union".

GETTY

Nigel Farage has told Barack Obama to 'butt out'

Mr Obama will voice his opinions on Britain’s membership with the bloc despite calls from prominent ‘Out’ campaigners for him to stay out of the debate.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage warned: “President Obama should butt out.

"This is an unwelcome interference from the most anti-British American president there has ever been. Mercifully, he won't be in office for much longer."

Boris Johnson said it would be "hypocritical for America to urge us to sacrifice control - of our laws, our sovereignty, our money and our democracy - when they would not dream of ever doing the same.”

Commons leader Chris Grayling also suggested the US president "perhaps doesn't understand" the shift in power that has taken place between the UK and Brussels.

Speaking at Princeton University, Mr Clegg warned that the "special relationship" would be put at risk if the UK left the EU.

Mr Clegg said the only prominent American who did not support the UK remaining in the EU was Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump.

EU referendum

Sat, February 20, 2016

With an in/out referendum on EU membership set for June 23 this year, we're taking an overview look of David Cameron's two-day visit at EU summit at EU headquarters in Brussels and his return to Downing Street to meet with his cabinet.